Here is an AGE OLD
question that has been "pondered" by many a job seeker, for many a YEAR... "IS
USING A RECRUITER THE BEST WAY
TO MAXIMIZE MY CAREER SEARCH, MY GOALS"....???Let me try to objectively answer this
centuries old question.

Well coming from a recruiter, of course I have to say yes, BUT let me qualify the answer... Using a
recruiter definitely has a lot of advantages, but it might not always be the
most advisable approach to presenting yourself to a company. So first, let me
talk a little about how an experienced recruiter works, and, more important, how
to pick the right one.And then I will
go into more depth on the aforementioned.

Most of you have been called by one of us, several of you more
than once. Many of you understand the fundamental role we play, and many
consider our calls a nuisance. It is important to understand that making calls is
how we find good people with the right skill sets; talent that is ready, willing
or wanting to at least consider changing careers.Companies contract us to help them staff up critical
needs positions with the "most right" people. They count on our expertise to
help them find the best most appropriate candidates.

For companies, there is a definite value-add to using a
QUALIFIED experienced recruiter. We help them cut through the gazillion
resumes, most of which have absolutely no or little value to their company. They
know that we pre-screen the candidate, know their skill-sets, wants, needs, and
salary requirements. The companies that I represent know, that when I send in a
resume, it will be at the very least worthy of the utmost consideration. They
know that a good recruiter that is in their space KNOWS what they need, and
only sends real close fits.In turn our
resumes are almost always more highly regarded, because they will rarely waist
their time, and more so, fit the bill of what they need.In addition, a good recruiter knows the various
companies space, and knows when and where to present a candidate, even when there
are no openings.ESPECIALLY THOSE CANDIDATES
THAT CAN MAKE A MAJOR IMPACT!

So what should you
look for when deciding on which one of us to use?

The answer is Simple!You use someone that knows and understands your specific space, nothing
is more important!If you are looking for
Design, work with someone that understands either the semiconductor or fables
market.If you are a Tools Developer or
Supporter, make sure that you talk to someone who knows EDA tool development,
and I mean front to back.Use a
recruiter that has connections with companies in your specific area. Ask specific
questions like...What companies do you work with that can use people that develop
or support (for example) Synthesis, (or Simulation, or P&R, or STA,
etc).He/she should be able to talk the
talk, and name companies in the space.Ask about specific companies and see what he/she knows about them. If a recruiter cannot talk the talk about the
companies in YOUR specific space, then they are not the right recruiter to represent
you.(Think of it like this...you would
not (necessarily) use a recruiter that specialized in accountants to find an
aerospace position).

Frequently candidates tell me that they have friends at, or
worked with someone at a particular company.Here are a few things to think about before deciding to go to them to
present you.Friends, co-workers can be
a great way to present yourself, but it can also be a catastrophe. Here are a
few things to think about before deciding...

ØFriends/Co-workers career paths can be
threatened by bringing someone in, even though it is someone they know.

ØFriends/Co-workers may not have as high an
opinion about you as you think they do

ØFriends/Co-workers cannot negotiate comp
packages in your best interest, because they may not know the rest of the
market, and they might base it on what they are earning

ØFriends/Co-workers cannot BUG the hiring
managers to get them to look at your resume

ØFriends/Co-workers for the most part will always
be more concerned with their situation, and this could affect how they handle
getting you in.

Clearly, if any of these do not pertain to you, and you
think your relationship is such that it is advisable to go it alone, then you
should do so.I always tell my
candidates that if they know someone, then let's use that together when
presenting the candidate.Then you take
full advantage of your relationship without intruding on, or worrying about any
of the afore mentioned.

How about submissions direct through a company website...well
think about this...

HR gets (like I said earlier) a gazillion resumes.Your resume will be forwarded to (hopefully
the right) manager and all you can hope for is a call back.You have no contact, no way to get more
information.On the other hand a good
recruiter is always calling on, and checking to get feedback on his
submissions...and USUALLY he gets it.

So in summation, a recruiter defiantly has its
advantages.It gives you a contact to
talk to and a vehicle into the industry in which you work.Companies
hire them to find people; you go to them to help you find the right opportunity.Make sure you talk to your recruiter before
you decide to work with him.Once you
make the decision, make sure you become partners in your search.Together you can usually come up with a great
opportunity for your future.

October 09, 2008Reviewed by 'Pankaj'The article clearly states the two sides of the recruiter and how they can help the company and on the other side to the job seeker. It also explain us to whom to approach and whom to trust for our need.I feel that all the job seeker should take a look of this article at least once to gain the knowledge about what happen to their resume when it is being with recruiter and when they approach directly.